Civic bodies' dengue show irks Mamata

KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, it is learnt, has expressed her displeasure at the failure of the civic bodies to drain out stagnant rain water in some pockets of South 24-Parganas. TOI has already reported about some pockets in Behala where water levels refuse to ebb.
According to a source, she asked mayor Sovan Chatterjee, who is also the party's South 24-Parganas district president, to hand-hold the respective municipalities to formulate a long-term plan.Kolkata, she pointed out, faced similar problems earlier but it's largely been contained now. She was speaking at the administrative review meeting of South 24-Parganas.
She also tried to allay fears following the spread of the disease, which has claimed 15 lives in the Kolkata suburbs. "Such diseases spread during this time. They also recede with the rain. The state government and all agencies have been asked to step up their efforts to combat this menace," she told reporters after the meeting. She also urged the municipalities to replicate the Kolkata Municipal Corporation model of twice-a-day cleanliness measures.
According to party sources, Banerjee also expressed his displeasure over wetlands being used in real estate business. "She has asked the police to take stern action whenever a complaint is lodged regarding this," a Trinamool leader said.
She also lashed out at the Centre for delaying fund allocation for various projects. "The Centre owes Rs 1,700 crore to the state for 100 days' work scheme. The Centre has not disbursed funds for various projects, including the building of roads. The Centre is unfairly interfering in the state's jurisdiction," she said. Her angst had a reason - South 24-Parganas was the best performing district in Bengal in the 100 days' work scheme. "There is political discrimination and interference in the matters of the state. This is not acceptable."
She also said, "DVC has released 50,000 cusec water today; we have asked them not to release further water."
The chief minister inaugurated a land bank in South 24 Parganas today. During a survey, the South 24 Parganas district administration found that in Sonarpur, Baruipur, Bhangar, Budge Budge and Maheshtala, vast areas of vested land had remained untapped. The total quantum of such land is around 140 acres.
She also mentioned that institutional delivery centres in the district have increased from 60-65% to 84%.
During the administrative meeting, Mamata asked the state transport department officials to look into the issue of mechanized boats, which formed an important mode of transport in South 24-Parganas district, and its upgradation.
She also asked the Power Department to look into the problem of low voltage in the district.